Leo Witherspoon's Contributions

Councilman Watts has plenty of free time to fight for the "middle class" since he hasn't had a job in recent memory, apart from short-term paid campaign work.
I feel sorry for Watts's constituents - they are underserved and deserve a better representative and role model. View Comment

As usual, Bruce Kimmel is the voice of reason. In the heat of debate, it's easy to get caught up in the passion of one's argument and forget about the basics of respect and civility. I have probably crossed the line into unflattering sarcasm a few times myself. We can all do better at one time or another.
The debate should be about policy, not personalities. Reasonable people can disagree about the best way to get to our common goal. Name calling might provide a juvenile thrill but it's not very interesting or meaningful, and it has never changed anyone's vote. Calling so-and-so an idiot generally says more about you than about your target.
Paige's comments about anger turning to bitterness and bitterness leading to health problems are very thoughtful and perceptive. Remember that misery loves company, and those who spew venom here may simply be looking to drag others down to their level so they won't be so alone with their anger. We can live better lives by rejecting the anger that appears on these forums, and focus instead on advocating our points of view thoughtfully and respectfully. Refuse to respond in anger to those who don't understand that denigrating others only serves to denigrate themselves. If you can, look for a way to give them a kind word since they are clearly hurting and need one.
Technology has provided us with this electronic town square where we can have dialogues that lead to greater understanding and connectedness. Will we litter it with name calling and sock puppets, or will we rise to the occasion and change minds with a thoughtful discussion?
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Between the many large divots on Strawberry Hill and these new stop signs, it's hard to go more than 20mph. Maybe that's the intent.
At the very least it would be helpful to know how this came about. Who decided on the new traffic pattern, and why? View Comment

This is a good bill. We have a right to know whether what we are buying contains GMO ingredients. Those who prefer to avoid GMO may change their buying habits, others who don't care don't have to change a thing.
I would be interested to know more about whether or not there are any loopholes in the bill. View Comment

@Dawn
We are fortunate to have Council members like Bruce Kimmel. I can understand your reaction in thinking that this might seem like a bit of a pat on the back. But if you consider it along with all of Bruce's other letters, it will quickly become clear that the primary purpose of his writings is to inform rather than self-congratulate. Kimmel actually shows up for Council and committee meetings, he does constituent service, AND he takes the time to explain the thinking behind his votes and policy positions via thoughtful and detailed letters to the editor. We could use more like him at all levels of government.
Let's contrast that with Matt Miklave, who wants the Democratic nomination for Mayor. Miklave recently wrote a letter to the editor encouraging us to submit feedback on an environmental proposal after the state DEEP's deadline for submitting feedback had already passed! Apparently Miklave waited until after the deadline because he wanted it to be Earth Day when he wrote about something he did for the environment. Now that's self-interested self-congratulation for you.
Also please remember, when you ask "isn't that your job?", that Common Council members don't receive any compensation apart from a stipend of $600 per year. Some Council members use that as an excuse to miss committee meetings and not return constituent phone calls. A rare few, like Bruce Kimmel, give us 110%. View Comment

Wow you're right!
http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2013/04/tsarnaev_family_received_100g_in_benefits
That's mind-blowing. They take $100,000 in government benefits and their thanks to the American taxpayer is a terrorist attack plus a murdered cop.
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